Jenna Lou Loves You

Tea Time

There something I really love about tea. Ever since discovering this most delicious tea at the Renegade Craft Fair, and getting the Le Creuset Teakettle for my birthday (in white of course),  I've become somewhat of an addict. For breakfast, lunch, after dinner... anytime is really the perfect tea time.

Yesterday as I was cruising the thrift store scene I ran across the cutest little cups I've seen in all my life. These dainty little patchwork cups only hold about 1 Cup of liquid, which isn't much, but I still couldn't resist them for only .25 each. Then, as I was dreaming of all the fun I would have if my friends were into tea parties, I stumbled into this set of 4 sunshine yellow cups. They also are a bit on the small side, but in a really pretty and frilly perfect tea party way.

So now I'm gathering all the necessities of the perfect tea party with no one to attend. If only I had lived in the days where on sunny weekend afternoons the girls slip into their powdered sugar dresses with long white gloves and join me for a party in the garden. If only... I'm such a dreamer.

p.s. Thanks for all your comments about the scarf :D You all are too darn sweet.

xoxo,
Jennalou

Weekend Warrior

What a great weekend. So much was accomplished around here including lot's of cooking, gardening, reading and knitting.

I spent my Saturday in a luxury of laziness. I joined a new friend for coffee and sewing talk, then came home to knit and read. The scarf took me no time at all and was finished by bedtime. This was the first time I've used yarn with that thick and thin handspun texture and I couldn't be more pleased with how it came together. If you've never tried it before I'd say just do it... You'll love it!

I've been reading lots of gardening books, particularly ones which talk about perennials. They are so beautiful and the thought of only planting once and then enjoying blooms year after year is so charming. As I was removing all the dead veggies from the garden, where next year I plan a patio, I couldn't help but wish (as I have done many times before) that I was on HGTV. They make all the madness and work look so easy peasy. A complete garden reconstruction in just a weekend? Impossible. And although I know they have crews of many people doing many things all at once I can't help but wish that real life were like that. If it were I would have a newly decorated house/garden/garage in just a few short weeks where along the way the HTGV crew asks us to leave for the day and come home to a place we didn't even know was possible and lots of expensive surprises. If only.

I kid though... I really do enjoy doing the work for myself. There is a lot of satisfaction in putting in a long day of hard work when you know it's all yours to enjoy.

Now I better be back to my sewing... I'm sorry if you're waiting for your custom work... I promise I'll be done with all the orders by Wednesday!

** Scarf was knitted on 10.5 needles with Sensations Licorice #2347(2 skeins) which I picked up at my local JoAnn's craft store.

xoxo,
Jennalou

Fall Knits

The cold fall weather has really kicked in over the past couple weeks. The leaves are gorgeous, golden, glowing. It's my favorite time of the year! Inspired by the beautiful knits all over blogland I've pulled out my needles and bought some new fall yarn. I wanted something quick (*instant gratification) so I just went with a simple knitted scarf. As you can see it's not nearly done, but I'll show pictures in a couple days or so when it's ready for the fall debut.

Of course I couldn't knit without the watchful eyes of a certain little helper. She's so cute I could just pinch her! She likes to sit right in my lap and especially on the ball of yarn, so I put her up in the papasan chair to stay out of my hair.

I think I'm just going to take the rest of the day easy. Knit, drink tea, maybe get outside a rake up some of those crunchy leaves into a pile which I will then run through with the glee of a five year old. Yes.... that's sounds lovely.

I hope you all are enjoying the fall weather this weekend.
Jennalou

Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins

A quest for the perfect blueberry muffin has come to an end today. The recipe comes from Barefoot Contessa Family Style, a book I borrowed from my local public library. Ina Garten wrote many beautiful recipes and I just love how she talks about new and old ways to enjoy a meal with family and friends. Every recipe I've tried so far has been a winner. And not just the kind that you enjoy and make once or twice a year. The kind that you rely on to serve often and enjoy throughly. I'm still clutching onto my copy from the library, but when it's time to go back, I'll be ordering my own for keeps.

Now I must warn you though that if you do make this recipe, be sure to invite guests over. This way it is impossible for you to scarf them down all by yourself.

Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins (makes 16)  {**mine made 20!}
12 T. unsalted butter (room temp.)
1 1/2 C. sugar
3 extra-large eggs (room temp.)
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
8 oz. (about 1C.) sour cream
1/4 C. milk
2 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
2 half-pints fresh blueberries {**I used frozen}

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place 16 paper liners in muffin pans. {** it's helpful to spray pans with butter so the tops don't stick)

In a bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 min. With the mixer on low, add the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla, sour cream and milk. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture to the batter and beat until just mixed. Fold in the blueberries with a spatula and be sure the batter is completely mixed.

Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin pans, filling each cup  just over the top, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the muffins are lightly browned on top and a cake tester comes out clean.

Enjoy!!
Jennalou

The Key

Testing Testing.... Things have been so slow over at the old blog, I've really run in a rut over there and it's just not getting better. So I thought a change of scenes would maybe be the key. A new motivation to post... and a new place to share my craft, my food, my photos, my dog, my life.

I've spent most of my morning figuring typepad out and setting up the blog. I know that lots of links are missing, but I wanted to make sure this was the right move for me before I moved everything on over. Hopefully this will open up many doors.

Jennalou